Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav gave a non-committal reply when asked about a possible handshake with the Pakistan team ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash. The two rivals are set to meet at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, February 15, both entering the match with unbeaten group-stage records.
During the 2025 Asia Cup, Suryakumar had refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss in all three games. Additionally, players from both teams had avoided post-match handshakes at the Dubai International Stadium.
When asked if the no-handshake pattern would continue into the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan captain expressed openness to the idea. Suryakumar, asked the same, responded that fans would see what happens soon enough.
“We’ll see about handshake at toss. Wait for 24 hours,” the captain said during the pre-match press conference (via NDTV).
The no-handshake trend has continued in recent contests between the two countries. In the recently concluded 2026 U-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe, India U-19 captain Ayush Mhatre and Pakistan U-19 captain Farhan Yousaf also refrained from shaking hands at the toss.
“We Can’t Back Down”: Suryakumar Yadav On Facing Usman Tariq In T20 World Cup 2026
The lead-up to the highly anticipated clash has sparked significant discussion around Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq, largely due to his unorthodox bowling action. He recently starred in Pakistan’s 32-run victory over the USA, finishing as the standout bowler with figures of 3-27.
Team India will need to figure him out, as this marks their first encounter with the 28-year-old. Tariq has played only four T20Is to date, making his international debut in late 2025.
“Even if a question is out of syllabus you can’t leave it. He’s a different character but we can’t surrender to him (Usman Tariq). We are all very excited,” Suryakumar Yadav on facing Usman Tariq.
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